Mon / Yough Trail Council
The Mon/Yough Trail — known locally as the Boston Trail — carries the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River through Boston, Buena Vista, and Sutersville in Elizabeth Township, southeastern Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
Overview
About the Mon/Yough (Boston Trail) trail
The trail's gentle grade, isolated from motorized traffic, offers people of all ages and abilities a place where they can safely walk, jog, bicycle, cross-country ski, or even ride horses. The route follows the historic and often remote Youghiogheny River as it winds through the hills of Western Pennsylvania, and it is a well-maintained link in the Great Allegheny Passage between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.
Conveniently located along the trail are bike shops, bed and breakfasts, bike and canoe rentals, bait shops, boat ramps, eateries, picnic areas, water facilities, restrooms, and campgrounds. The MYTC visitor center at the Boston trailhead is open most weekends during the summer and offers trail information, local-service tips, and trail merchandise for sale.
Primary access is the trailhead in Boston, Elizabeth Township — the reason for the trail's nickname, 'The Boston Trail.' Other trailheads are located at Buena Vista and Sutersville.
Good for
- Cycling
- Walking
- Running
- Cross-country skiing
- Horseback riding
The setting
What you’ll see
A spectacular and often remote stretch of the Youghiogheny River winding through the hills of Western Pennsylvania, rich in scenery and a favorite of paddlers as well as riders.
The history
Rail & industrial heritage
The Mon/Yough corridor connected the river towns of Elizabeth Township to the rail network that moved coal and freight through the Mon Valley.
On the trail
Scenes from the Mon/Yough (Boston Trail) trail
Getting on the trail
Trailheads & access
Boston Trailhead
Boston, Elizabeth Township — primary access and visitor center
Buena Vista
Elizabeth Township, PA
Sutersville
Westmoreland County, PA
Amenities
Facilities along the way
- Seasonal visitor center at the Boston trailhead (summer weekends)
- Restrooms and water along the trail
- Picnic areas
- Bike and canoe rentals nearby
- Boat ramps and campgrounds nearby
- Trail merchandise for sale at the visitor center
Keep this trail open
Volunteers staff the seasonal Boston visitor center and keep this remote river section maintained and welcoming.
Chapter officers
President
Connie Petras
crpetras@comcast.net412-327-7244Vice President
Candace Cook
ziaquinn@gmail.com412-773-3946Treasurer
Tim Banfield
tbanfie@comcast.net412-303-3934Secretary
Rose Lavelle
roselavelle312@gmail.com724-708-4566
Contact
Good to know
Mon/Yough (Boston Trail) trail FAQ
- Where is the Mon / Yough Trail Council?
- The Mon/Yough Trail — known locally as the Boston Trail — carries the Great Allegheny Passage along the Youghiogheny River through Boston, Buena Vista, and Sutersville in Elizabeth Township, southeastern Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
- Is the Mon / Yough Trail Council part of the Great Allegheny Passage?
- Yes. The Mon / Yough Trail Council is a maintained section of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP), the 150-mile rail-trail between Pittsburgh, PA and Cumberland, MD.
- Is the Mon / Yough Trail Council accessible and family-friendly?
- A gentle grade isolated from motorized traffic, open to people of all ages and abilities. Restrooms, water, picnic areas, and a seasonal visitor center are available along the way.
- How can I volunteer on the Mon / Yough Trail Council?
- Volunteers staff the seasonal Boston visitor center and keep this remote river section maintained and welcoming. To get involved, contact crpetras@comcast.net.
Help keep the trails there when you need them.
Whether you swing a loppers on a Saturday or chip in a few dollars, every TrailKeeper makes the next mile possible.